Working with Danes: Tips for Americans

by Kay Xander Mellish

Doing business in Denmark is fun and profitable for many Americans, but they don't always understand the cultural differences between Denmark and the US. The high-energy, high confidence American way of selling can be a bit much for the Danes, who are by nature on a somewhat lower volume setting. Danish business culture also prioritizes effectiveness over long hours, so Americans doing business with Danes will need to accept that their Danish colleagues often leave the office at 3:30 or 4 in the afternoon, and take every day of their legally-required five weeks of annual paid vacation. "Working with Danes: Tips for Americans" offers insights on many aspects of doing business in Denmark for Americans. It includes many do's and don'ts of Danish business etiquette, like making sure to introduce yourself every member of the team instead of just focusing your attention on the top managers. And it talks about the lighter aspects of Danish workplace culture, such as the importance of bringing a cake to celebrate success - and no, you don't have to bake the cake. In fact, it's better if you don't. Written by a dual citizen of US and Denmark who has worked at both large and small firms in both countries, "Working with Danes: Tips for Americans" goes beyond simple business etiquette in Denmark to look at the deeper aspects of the two countries' approach to work and to creating value. It is the companion volume to her previous book, "Working with Americans: Tips for Danes", the basis of several seminars focusing on co-operation between the US and Denmark. "Working with Danes: Tips for Americans" explains the Danish passion for trustworthiness and transparency, as well as the modesty inherent in "Jante Law" that can keep Danes from talking up themselves or their products. A light, informative read, the book will give you a good sense of the differences between American business culture and Danish business culture.

136 pages, Paperback

Published October 16, 2020

About the author

Kay Xander Mellish grew up in Wisconsin and graduated magna cum laude from New York University, where she studied journalism and art history. In addition to her non-fiction work, which has appeared in publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Mother Jones, and the Danish tabloid BT, Kay spent many years writing fiction.

Unable to find a publisher, she began flyposting the first page of her short stories on lampposts and construction sidings in New York City, with a voicemail number to call if readers wanted to hear the rest of the story. After a law-and-order mayor cracked down on flyposters, Kay took to the internet, creating in 1995 one of the first fiction sites on the web.

Kay moved to Denmark in 2000, and now runs the KXMGroup, a Copenhagen-based consultancy that helps Danish companies communicate in English.

Reviews

[Martin Zorde · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Dane who has grown up in the US, this book finally put to words why I have always felt so odd in comparison to my American colleagues. It really goes a long way to explain how my thinking and behaviors aren't odd, they are Danish. Turns out a lot of my work ethic is from my culture and upbringing. In short, can take a Dane out of Denmark, but you can't take the Denmark out of the Dane

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked with Danes for 2 years and Kay's knowledge proved invaluable. They just gave copies away in the office.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct book that highlights cultural differences

[Ramy Elbana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, digestible and very true facts about Danes

[Serjious Tsiulinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

150 pages on side to side observations on Americans and Danes, and how these two, at first glance similar cultures, can go misinterpreted